About the Council

The AMA Council on Medical Service serves a very specific and important role within the AMA by studying and evaluating the social and economic aspects of medical care and suggesting means for the timely development of services in a changing socioeconomic environment.

Established in 1943, the council consists of 11 members elected by the AMA House of Delegates, including one resident, and a medical student member of the AMA appointed by the Governing Council of the AMA Medical Student Section with the concurrence of the Board of Trustees. The Council recommends policies and actions for consideration by the House. Council reports cover a wide range of topics, such as Medicare and Medicaid, managed care, consumer-driven health care and covering the uninsured and expanding choice.